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Managing editor vs assistant editor

The differences between managing editors and assistant editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a managing editor and an assistant editor. Additionally, a managing editor has an average salary of $89,060, which is higher than the $52,284 average annual salary of an assistant editor.

The top three skills for a managing editor include web content, editorial content and SEO. The most important skills for an assistant editor are editorial content, video footage, and web content.

Managing editor vs assistant editor overview

Managing EditorAssistant Editor
Yearly salary$89,060$52,284
Hourly rate$42.82$25.14
Growth rate-5%-5%
Number of jobs16,7818,716
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a managing editor do?

Managing editors are individuals who coordinate and oversee the editorial activities of a publication. They administer the daily operations or a website or publication, such as generating ideas and planning and editing content. Their responsibilities include the recruitment, promotion, and firing of staff members. They even create and implement deadlines. Great managing editors are those who are updated on the latest trends and make informed decisions. They should also be equipped with skills in management and coaching.

What does an assistant editor do?

An assistant editor is an individual responsible for assisting an editor-in-chief or editor-at-large of a newspaper, magazine, radio program, or website. Assistant editors hold meetings with staff and freelance writers to discuss new, fresh and original content for projects on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They review assignments handed in by writers or reporters for sense, accuracy, readability, and content. Assistant editors must also utilize new media applications such as Twitter and Facebook to draw attention to an article or cause.

Managing editor vs assistant editor salary

Managing editors and assistant editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Managing EditorAssistant Editor
Average salary$89,060$52,284
Salary rangeBetween $59,000 And $132,000Between $34,000 And $78,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCHuntington, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutNew York
Best paying companyFederal Reserve BankApple
Best paying industryMediaMedia

Differences between managing editor and assistant editor education

There are a few differences between a managing editor and an assistant editor in terms of educational background:

Managing EditorAssistant Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 81%Bachelor's Degree, 81%
Most common majorJournalismEnglish
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityNorthwestern University

Managing editor vs assistant editor demographics

Here are the differences between managing editors' and assistant editors' demographics:

Managing EditorAssistant Editor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 46.6% Female, 53.4%Male, 45.9% Female, 54.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 76.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 3.5% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 76.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between managing editor and assistant editor duties and responsibilities

Managing editor example responsibilities.

  • Manage programs such as schedule overhaul, YouTube channel creation, and new blog site.
  • Manage editorial process: assigning stories to line-editing to HTML publishing/page placement.
  • Manage editorial departments: ensure timely receipt of copy and photos, including coordinating and overseeing all freelance and in-house submissions.
  • Edit and proofread submissions for weekly publication.
  • Proofread and edit articles for several UN publications.
  • Launch and create the first digital edition online and via iPad.
  • Show more

Assistant editor example responsibilities.

  • Lead bureau newsgathering in high-pressure, breaking news situations.
  • Manage the budget for all of VOA s primary newsgathering.
  • Produce e-newsletters, manage website content, write headlines and captions, utilize SEO and analyze digital traffic.
  • Communicate with transportation managers, administrators, equipment operators and others for fulfillment of copy to achieve editorial goals.
  • Ensure compliance with PRC and FDA guidelines.
  • Increase social media presence and traffic through Facebook and Instagram.
  • Show more

Managing editor vs assistant editor skills

Common managing editor skills
  • Web Content, 13%
  • Editorial Content, 10%
  • SEO, 7%
  • Editorial Calendar, 5%
  • Digital Content, 5%
  • Editor-In-Chief, 4%
Common assistant editor skills
  • Editorial Content, 9%
  • Video Footage, 8%
  • Web Content, 5%
  • Media Management, 4%
  • Production Process, 4%
  • Twitter, 3%

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